After easily rolling past Montevallo last week, fans had to wonder how Locust Fork would handle adversity when it struck.

The question was asked and answered tonight in Rainbow City as the Hornets rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to cruise past Westbrook Christian 33-20.

After Locust Fork won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff, Westbrook pulled off a perfect onside kick attempt and began their opening possession at the Hornet 39-yard line. The Warriors converted three third-down situations on their way to an opening score, as quarterback Wil Appleton found Chandler Richards from five yards out. Chris Underwood’s point-after kick put the Hornets behind for the first time this season at 7-0.

Things would continue to unravel for Locust Fork, as an opportunistic Westbrook defense separated Hornet quarterback Todd Goodwin from the football at his own 25. On the first play following the turnover, Appleton found Gilbert Rosas open, who then broke a tackle to get into the end zone. Westbrook led 14-0 with 5:34 left in the first period.

It only took Locust Fork 15 seconds to deliver an answer to the early adversity ,as Micah Stephens raced 65 yards off left tackle to cut the deficit to 14-6. Dakota Karluk missed the extra point.

Westbrook managed to drive into Hornet territory before running out of downs at the Hornet 28, and it only took the high-octane Locust Fork offense three plays and 42 seconds to tie the game.

With the Warrior defense playing tightly against the Hornet running game, Goodwin turned to the air and found Chase Biles running all alone behind the Westbrook secondary for a 61-yard touchdown reception. Goodwin then passed to Chase’s brother Shiloh Biles for the tying 2-point conversion with 11:25 left in the first half.

After holding Westbrook to a punt, the Hornet running game got going again, grinding out three to five yards per snap as they pushed 50 yards in eight plays, while taking 5:34 off the game clock. Hayden Jackson ran three yards for the go-ahead touchdown. The point after was missed and the Hornets carried a 20-14 lead into intermission.

In the second half, Locust Fork took control of the game. After a Westbrook three and out, the Hornets mounted their longest drive of the young season, going 88 yards in 17 plays and eating up more than eight minutes.

The touchdown came on a trick play as Goodwin threw a lateral to reserve quarterback Michael Reid, who then threw downfield to a wide open Micah Stephens to complete a 22-yard scoring play. The point after was missed.

The Hornet defense once again stopped the Warrior attack, and in punt formation on fourth down near midfield, the snap sailed over the head of the punter, who fell on the football back at the Warrior 17-yard line.

Micah Stephens wasted no time in rushing into the end zone on the first play to expand the Hornets lead. Karluk’s extra point was good, giving Locust Fork a comfortable 33-14 lead with 10:52 left in the game.

Westbrook scored quickly on a 79-yard pass and run from Appleton to Joseph Schauer to close the margin to 33-20, but Locust Fork held the football most of the remaining 10 minutes of the game.

Micah Stephens shouldered the running load for the Hornets, carrying the football 21 times while gaining 207 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He also caught one pass for 22 yards and another score.

Appleton was 16 of 31 for 259 yards with an interception and three TDs for the Warriors.

Both schools go into region play next week with Westbrook traveling to Ohatchee in Class 3A and Locust Fork will have their home opener hosting North Jackson.